WICHITA FALLS, Texas – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Volleyball returned the favor to Midwestern State Wednesday, defeating the Mustangs, 3-2, a day after Midwestern State won in five sets.
The Lady Lions (1-1, 1-1 LSC) jumped out to an 8-2 lead over the Mustangs (3-1, 3-1 LSC) in the decisive set, but MSU late would cut the deficit to 11-8. UAFS then ended the match on a 4-0 run, capped by an ace by junior defensive specialist Jazzlyn Wells, the 11th of the match for UAFS.
Freshman Reagan Macha shined in a return to her hometown in Wichita Falls, recording a double-double of 17 kills and 10 digs. She also added three aces and a pair of blocks.
UAFS had to play from behind, dropping set one, 25-22, but bounced back to take sets two and three, 27-25 and 25-17, respectively.
The Lady Lions held a 9-5 lead in the second set, but the Mustangs used a 7-1 run to take a 12-10 lead. With MSU leading 16-14, UAFS 10 of 11 points, including seven in a row to lead 23-17. UAFS only recorded one kill during the run, instead scoring three times on blocks and six on MSU attack errors.
Midwestern State scored six straight to tie the set at 23, but the Lady Lions were able to hold on after kills by sophomore Courtney Crownover and Wells.
Primarily a right-side hitter, Crownover played the role of setter Wednesday, leading the Lady Lions with 22 assists, while adding six kills and 19 digs.
In the second, the UAFS defense held the Mustangs to a -.021 attack percentage, and just a .074 attack percentage for the match. In addition to Macha and Crownover, three others recorded double digit digs. Wells tallied 15 digs, while sophomore libero Lexy Lewis had a team-high 21 digs and freshman setter Taylor Lintz had 11.
The defense also had 12 blocks.
UAFS once again got off to a hot start in set three, leading 7-1. After the Mustangs pulled within 13-11, UAFS went on a 6-1 run with three kills by Macha before closing out the set.
With their backs against the wall for the second straight night, MSU won the fourth set, 25-15, scoring six straight points at the beginning of the set after UAFS took the opening point. UAFS was unable to get within six the rest of the set.
Sophomore outside hitter Julia McCown joined Macha in double figures with 10 kills, while junior right-side hitter Faith Marabella added eight kills.
UAFS will next host Oklahoma Christian February 9 in its home opener at the Stubblefield Center.
